Ogunquit Playhouse to Host Rotary Night at GREASE, 5/28

For the sixth year, the Ogunquit Playhouse, America's Foremost Summer Theatre, is joining the fight to eradicate polio worldwide by hosting Rotary Night at the theatre. The Ogunquit Playhouse will donate a portion of every ticket purchased to Grease for the Wednesday, May 28 , 8:00 p.m. performance to the York Rotary Club. The Playhouse seeks to raise $5,000 to support Rotary International's goal of eliminating worldwide polio.

Grease is the beloved rock n' roll celebration of teen angst, fast cars and first loves all set in the fabulous fifties. This all-new production is on stage May 21 to June 21 and features the irresistible songs from the Tony Award nominated Broadway show and hit movie, including "You're The One That I Want," "Grease Is The Word," "Summer Nights," "Hopelessly Devoted To You," "Greased Lightnin'" and many more. Television and film star Mo Gaffney joins the cast as Miss Lynch. Ms. Gaffney has numerous television credits including her recurring role as Bo in the BBC hit sitcom Absolutely Fabulous. She is joined by Matthew Ragas Grease as love-struck bad-boy Danny who returns to the Ogunquit stage after last playing Pharaoh in last year's production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Mary Little is making her Ogunquit debut as Sandy.

The fight to end polio is led by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, which includes Rotary International, UNICEF, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and governments of the world, with the support of many others around the globe.

"Alarmed by the spread of polio to several fragile countries, the World Health Organization declared a global health emergency on May 5. Just two years ago, after a 25-year campaign that vaccinated billions of children, the paralyzing virus was near eradication; now health officials say that goal could evaporate if swift action is not taken" said Kevin Raymond of York Rotary. "While polio is a crippling and potentially fatal infectious disease, for as little as 60 cents a child can be vaccinated for life. Rotary raises funds to make sure every child receives access to the polio vaccine. We must continue to immunize wherever and whenever the threat of polio exists. By attending this special show, you can help achieve a polio-free world. I hope you will join us."

About the Ogunquit Playhouse: The Ogunquit Playhouse is America's Foremost Summer Theatre, a 501c3 not-for-profit organization, producing the finest Broadway musicals each season, with performances Tuesday through Sunday, from May 21 to October 26, 2014. Follow the Ogunquit Playhouse on Twitter (@OgunquitPH) and become our fan on Facebook (facebook.com/OgunquitPlayhouse) for behind-the-scenes info, photos and fun throughout the season. For a complete list of show times, pricing and more information about the season visit www.ogunquitplayhouse.org.

Next on stage is the astonishing international musical sensation Billy Elliot the Musical running from June 25 to July 26. The practically perfect Mary Poppins will fly over the rooftops of London and into the Ogunquit Playhouse from July 30 to August 30. The Ogunquit Playhouse was selected by Cameron Mackintosh to be the American Northeast premiere of his hit musical stage adaptation of The Witches of Eastwick, on stage September 3 to 27. "They're creepy and they're kooky, mysterious and spooky, they're altogether ooky!" The Addams Family closes the Ogunquit season October 1 through 26. Single ticket prices start at just $39 per show and season tickets start at only $175 for a five-show subscription or $99 for a three-show subscription. To learn more about becoming a member, season subscriber or to purchase tickets and gift certificates, visit www.ogunquitplayhouse.org, call the Box Office at 207-646-5511 or visit the new "Downtown Box Office" located at 102 Main Street (Route 1) just south of the Ogunquit village center.